LIFE HISTORY AND GROWTH OF LAURENCIA BRACHYCLADOS (RHODOPHYTA,CERAMIALES)1 |
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Authors: | Karla J McDermid |
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Abstract: | Laurencia brachyclados Pilger from Hawai'i completed a “Polysiphonia-type” tri-phasic life history in 21 weeks in laboratory culture. Tetraspores developed into gametophytes in a nearly 1:1:1 ratio of females: males: non-reproductive. Carpospores were released as early as 21 days after mixing virgin female and male gametophytes. Cultured thalli showed a “guerilla type” growth form. Other Hawaiian Laurencia species in culture had longer maturation times or remained non-reproductive. Variation in life history schedules may influence Laurencia species coexistence and algal community structure. |
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Keywords: | culture Hawaiian Laurencia brachyclados life history Rhodophyta tropical algae turf algae |
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